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A new Censuswide survey conducted on behalf of UK broadband ISP Zen Internet, which involved 2,000 nationally representative UK consumers aged 16+ (surveyed during Q1 2025), claims to have found that 52% of Brits still have a landline, yet only 15% use it regularly. But only a third intend to take (or have already) the digital voice alternative when the switchover occurs.
The survey, which has been timed to coincide with the anniversary of the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 (due to be celebrated tomorrow), reminds readers about the upcoming switch from the old Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to IP-based digital phone (VoIP etc.) services.
Just to recap. The big switch-off was last year delayed to 31st January 2027 in order to give broadband ISPs, phone providers, telecare operators and consumers more time to adapt (details). But the main focus of this delay was the 1.8 million people who use vital home telecare systems in the UK (e.g. elderly, disabled, and vulnerable people), which aren’t always compatible with the replacement VoIP / IP-based digital phone services (i.e. for everybody else the deadline is still technically Dec 2025).
However, Zen’s survey found that 29% of respondents are still unsure about the switch, while 34% say they won’t maintain a phone connection other than mobile. Interestingly, 44% of 25-to-34 year olds are still choosing to retain a landline when the switch off happens. The main reasons cited for keeping a landline is as a backup in case of poor mobile reception (41%) or to stay in touch with elderly relatives who prefer the traditional dial tone (39%).
In the survey, older generations said they felt landlines gave “better call quality” (often this is not the case) and “a more personal feel“, but Zen said the reality is that most landlines now sit unused, collecting dust while households juggle multiple smartphones.
Zen’s survey also found that only 34% of respondents could remember friends’ or family members’ landline or mobile numbers. A surprising number of Brits struggle to recall even one mobile number, despite carrying a phone packed with hundreds of contacts.
Stephen Warburton, MD of Zen’s Retail Division, said:
“While the nostalgia surrounding our experience of landline phones over the decades is entertaining, our survey highlights some real concerns. Nearly half (46%) of landline users worry that removing home phones could lead to more loneliness, particularly for older generations. Two-thirds (66%) also fear that without landlines, grandparents and elderly neighbours will struggle to stay connected.
As for the switch to Digital Voice, there’s still widespread uncertainty. According to our survey, over a third (34%) of Brits have little or no understanding of the impending shutdown, with confusion highest among women (41%) and younger generations.”
Naturally, Zen Internet has a vested interest here, as they’re in a position to help with such transitions.